Strategies for structure elucidation of small molecules using gas chromatography-mass spectrometric data

Abstract In this review, we summarize seven strategies for structure elucidation of small molecules based on several aspects: discovery of spectral characteristics; construction of a special database; and elimination of retention-index variation and mass spectral differences. We also discuss trends and future perspectives of the structure elucidation of small molecules using data from gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry.